Disclaimer: This is an original fiction story, reason being that I have
changed some of the history of it. I own Sayowyn, Thrandis, Tia and Naro,
along with Phaldis. If you wish to write a bad review, I ask that you
please read the entire story before putting it down. Otherwise, read,
review and enjoy!
The Time of the Elves
Sayowyn sat in solitude beside the crisp, clear river of her forest, the woods of Lothlorien. She did not speak, she was mesmorized by the flow of the water. She looked at her reflection, despising it. She was a pale blonde, with wavy hair flowing to her elbows. She was the image of her mother. Sayowyn did not find herself ugly, but wondered why she had yet to find the elf man of her dreams. She was 300 years old, and was still utterly alone.
Sure, Sayowyn had her parents, Galadriel, the Lady of the Woods, and her father, Celeborn. Haldir, the lead warrior elf to protect the forest, was good friends with her as well. Most of the forests' other elves were good friends with the princess, too. Yet the she-elf still felt alone. There was no one to wake up next to, no one she could bear away her love to.
She stood, slowly, letting her golden hair spill over her shoulders and down her back. Her gown, which was a marvelous white, dragged behind her a little as she walked back to her parents' throne. Upon arrival, she noticed her mother looking agitated. The beautiful princess walked up to her mother slowly, and knealt beside her.
Galadriel's tired eyes perked up a bit as she stared down at her daughters chocolate brown eyes. Brown eyes meant the elves were relaxed and easy going, while bright blue meant danger was near. "Mother, you looked irratated," Sayowyn said, in her light, musical tone.
"Not irritated, just tired is all. Thank goodness this event only happens every thousand years." Galadriel smiled softly.
Sayowyn returned the smile. "Is there anything you wish me to do?" she asked. She already knew the answer just from looking around her.
"No, Sayowyn. The woods are ready for the arrival of the elves of Middle Earth. The tree's have been lit up and decorated, the grass made greener, the water made clearer. We are ready."
Sayowyn remembered back to a year before when it was declared that the elves would meet at Lothlorien. In past years they met at Rivendell, and Mirkwood, among other places. The once every thousand year gathering was traditional, though it had no real meaning, or so Sayowyn thought.
Her mother continued, "There is someone I would like you to meet."
Sayowyn felt both anxious and wary at the same time. "Who might this be?" she asked cautiously.
"Thrandis Greenleaf, King Thranduil's oldest son. He is 600 years old, the prince of Mirkwood. It is arranged that you be married." Galadriel dropped the statement.
The elven princess was taken aback. "What?" she asked. "Arranged to be married! That is unbelievable!" She stood up.
Galadriel had expected this type of response. "All princesses and princes have arranged marriages, my daughter."
"Is that why no elf has ever taken interest in me?" Sayowyn asked.
"Yes. I am surprised you did not already know that. You might find that you like him." Galadriel replied.
"I MIGHT find that I like him? I also MIGHT NOT like him! How can you expect me to spend eternity with someone I do not enjoy?" Sayowyn's voice began to raise. "How could this be?"
"Sayowyn I have heard enough. It has always been this way. Go to bed, now. They arrive at dawn." Galadriel put up her hand, and Sayowyn knew any statements would be forbidden.
She turned and walked away briskly, still in shock and disbelief. She found sleeping hard that night, but when she finally did drift away, morning came all too quickly. The horn of the arriving elves awoke her. Sayowyn leapt from bed and brushed her hair, then changed into her celebration gown, which was a silver color.
She rushed down the stairs and met her mother and father in the entrance of Lothlorien. She said nothing to her parents, still angry. Lord Elrond from Rivendell and his elf people arrived first. Sayowyn ran to hug her uncle, who returned the gesture. As Elrond went to greet his sister, Galadriel, Sayowyn rushed past to jump on Arwen, who was trying to look royal as she stepped into Lothlorien.
"ARWEN!" she said as she flew into the air and into Arwen's unsuspecting arms. Down she fell, and the two elves collasped into a gown and long hair on the ground.
She stood up, attempting to be angry. "Sayowyn Darkstar! After 300 years you still are absolutley oblivious to any sort of royalty, even your own cousins!" she said, then burst out laughing. "Mighty clever of you!" she said in between giggles.
Aragorn, Arwen's boyfriend who was a human, stepped beside them, smiled and rolled his eyes. "For elves you are rather humilating and immature," he said. He then hugged Sayowyn, as the two were good friends.
A while later, the three were smoking pipe weed in Sayowyn's bedroom, laughing foolishly over nothing. Then Sayowyn began about the arranged marriage. "Arranged?" Arwen asked,never hearing of such a tradition.
"That's what I said. I have never in all my life heard such nonsense. His name is Thrandis, the oldest prince of Mirkwood. I know nothing else about him. Except that I oppose the entire idea." Sayowyn replied.
"Thrandis? I always thought that Legolas was the eldest." Aragorn said to himself.
"Legolas?" Sayowyn asked.
Aragorn nodded. "A great friend of mine. He is the second oldest son of Thranduil, must be second to the throne. He is 500 years old, approximately. But he is a warrior elf. Not one you would want to go for."
Sayowyn nodded. Right now she didn't feel like "going for" anyone. She wanted only her freedom. "I have always wanted to try archery and sword fighting. But don't tell my parents that!" she giggled, still a little stoned.
Just then Haldir appeared. Sayowyn threw her pipe across the room, and smiled. "You didn't see that!" she laughed.
Haldir tried not to smile. "I saw nothing. However, your mother wishes to see you before dinner starts. There is someone she wants you to meet." he said and nodded to them before leaving.
"Here we go." Sayowyn sighed.
"We'll be down when dinner starts. Good luck." Arwen told her, giving her a sad face.
Sayowyn began the long flight of stairs, down to her parents throne. There stood Celeborn and Galadriel, along with Thranduil and Elrond. With them were two younger looking elves. One was ill looking with brown hair, and steel eyes, while the other was tall and slender with long blonde hair and soft brown eyes. She hoped he would be her chosen prince.
"Sayowyn, this is King Thranduil, of Mirkwood." Galadriel began. The two greeted eachother heartily. "And this," she continued cautiously. "Is your future husband and king, Thrandis Greenleaf." She nodded to the brown haired elf. Sayowyn's heart fell in dispair. She smiled at the prince, who stared back at her with his cold eyes. Lord only knew what he was thinking.
There was an uncomfortable silence. "Um, and this is King Thranduil's second son, Legolas." Galadriel spoke, to clear the air.
The amazingly good looking elf set his chocolate eyes upon the princess, and nearly melted at the sight of her. She was by far the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He bowed down. She smiled brillantly and greeted him. Their eyes held as her mother spoke.
"Tonight, you will be seated next to Thrandis at dinner, Sayowyn, so you two can get to know eachother a little better."
Sayowyn broke her long held gaze with Legolas, and said, "It's still not fair, mother! Arwen said she'd never heard of an arranged marriage!"
Thrandis glared at her and spoke to her sharply. "Enough, Sayowyn. Arwen does not live in a woodland realm. This is the way of our people. Do not speak to your mother that way."
Sayowyn was taken aback, as were the rest of the elves. "Excuse me, Thrandis," she made his name sound like a poison. "But you have no right to tell me what I will and will not do. You do not know me and you never will!" she turned and walked off the steps of the throne, continuing to her spot by the river.
But then a cold harsh hand grabbed her firmly by the shoulder and spun her around violently. She turned to face Thrandis, who stared down into her eyes with malice. Legolas took a step towards them, but stopped. He wondered why he felt such a strange need to protect Sayowyn. She was not his to save. Quietly Thrandis whispered to her. "If you ever speak to me or your mother that way again you will live to regret it." However, Legolas, having naturally accuate hearing, heard what he had said, but he still kept quiet.
Go ahead. Try it. Sayowyn said to him through thought-speak. No one could hear them now. She turned and began to leave with a smirk,but not until those hands grabbed her again and turned her even more roughly this time to face her. Without thinking, she doubled her small fist and punched him square in the face, sending him sprawling onto the grass.
The usual serenity of Lothlorien became frantic. Galadriel and Celeborn gasped and glared at her their disapproval, while Thranduil ran to help his son, who was on the ground bleeding and cussing at the princess who had hurt him so. Meanwhile, Sayowyn's eyes caught Legolas' and she gave him a little smile, but not before turning and continuing along her way.
The river. She thought to Legolas as she disappeared into the tree's. He was welcome to follow her all he liked. Finally arriving at the river side, Sayowyn sat down unsteadily as she realized what kind of trouble she really had gotten herself into. Now her parents and even King Thranduil were angry with her, not to mention her "boyfriend".
But then she felt a rush of warmth and comfort, and wondered where it was coming from. She also felt a person coming up behind her, and yet her eyes did not change to blue, and the hair on the back of her neck did not stand up as it usually did. She knew who was behind her.
"You caused quite a commotion, my lady." Legolas said calmly as he came up behind her. "Do you mind if I sit down?"
Sayowyn looked up into his warm brown eyes and simply nodded. Legolas sat down beside her and looked into the water. "Do you come here often?" he asked.
"All the time. You are the only other who knows of it, now. Keep it a secret." Sayowyn replied.
"I promise. Well, Sayowyn daughter of Celeborn, what do you intend to do, now?" Legolas inquired.
Sayowyn thought for a moment, then came to a conclusion. "I am not entirely sure, to tell you the honest truth. I'll probably just sit and listen to my parents express their disappointment. As for Thrandis, I do not wish to imagine what his reaction will be." She answered with a rush of nausea.
"If you ask my opinion, I think that my brother is not even close to deserving a princess such as yourself. You are much too beautiful and talented for the likes of Thrandis."
Sayowyn looked over at him, getting lost in those eyes yet again. "Beautiful? Talented?" she asked.
Legolas nodded. "If I may say, you are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid my eyes upon, and that is saying a lot. Talented you are, I just have a feeling. You have a fire within you, mylady. I knew it from the moment I met you. Not to mention you had the courage to knock my older brother out, which has not yet been even attempted." he smiled.
"Yes well I was surprised at my strength. I just wish my parents did not have to see it. They do not believe in princesses fighting." she returned the smile.
Legolas jumped to his feet. Sayowyn looked at him, a little bewildered. "You mean to tell me you've never shot a bow? Never picked up a sword?" he asked, astounded.
Sayowyn frowned. "Should I have?" she asked, curious. Legolas pulled her to her feet, taking her by the hand.
"Come, my lady. I have much to teach you this night." he said and led her away, into the tree's.
The Time of the Elves
Sayowyn sat in solitude beside the crisp, clear river of her forest, the woods of Lothlorien. She did not speak, she was mesmorized by the flow of the water. She looked at her reflection, despising it. She was a pale blonde, with wavy hair flowing to her elbows. She was the image of her mother. Sayowyn did not find herself ugly, but wondered why she had yet to find the elf man of her dreams. She was 300 years old, and was still utterly alone.
Sure, Sayowyn had her parents, Galadriel, the Lady of the Woods, and her father, Celeborn. Haldir, the lead warrior elf to protect the forest, was good friends with her as well. Most of the forests' other elves were good friends with the princess, too. Yet the she-elf still felt alone. There was no one to wake up next to, no one she could bear away her love to.
She stood, slowly, letting her golden hair spill over her shoulders and down her back. Her gown, which was a marvelous white, dragged behind her a little as she walked back to her parents' throne. Upon arrival, she noticed her mother looking agitated. The beautiful princess walked up to her mother slowly, and knealt beside her.
Galadriel's tired eyes perked up a bit as she stared down at her daughters chocolate brown eyes. Brown eyes meant the elves were relaxed and easy going, while bright blue meant danger was near. "Mother, you looked irratated," Sayowyn said, in her light, musical tone.
"Not irritated, just tired is all. Thank goodness this event only happens every thousand years." Galadriel smiled softly.
Sayowyn returned the smile. "Is there anything you wish me to do?" she asked. She already knew the answer just from looking around her.
"No, Sayowyn. The woods are ready for the arrival of the elves of Middle Earth. The tree's have been lit up and decorated, the grass made greener, the water made clearer. We are ready."
Sayowyn remembered back to a year before when it was declared that the elves would meet at Lothlorien. In past years they met at Rivendell, and Mirkwood, among other places. The once every thousand year gathering was traditional, though it had no real meaning, or so Sayowyn thought.
Her mother continued, "There is someone I would like you to meet."
Sayowyn felt both anxious and wary at the same time. "Who might this be?" she asked cautiously.
"Thrandis Greenleaf, King Thranduil's oldest son. He is 600 years old, the prince of Mirkwood. It is arranged that you be married." Galadriel dropped the statement.
The elven princess was taken aback. "What?" she asked. "Arranged to be married! That is unbelievable!" She stood up.
Galadriel had expected this type of response. "All princesses and princes have arranged marriages, my daughter."
"Is that why no elf has ever taken interest in me?" Sayowyn asked.
"Yes. I am surprised you did not already know that. You might find that you like him." Galadriel replied.
"I MIGHT find that I like him? I also MIGHT NOT like him! How can you expect me to spend eternity with someone I do not enjoy?" Sayowyn's voice began to raise. "How could this be?"
"Sayowyn I have heard enough. It has always been this way. Go to bed, now. They arrive at dawn." Galadriel put up her hand, and Sayowyn knew any statements would be forbidden.
She turned and walked away briskly, still in shock and disbelief. She found sleeping hard that night, but when she finally did drift away, morning came all too quickly. The horn of the arriving elves awoke her. Sayowyn leapt from bed and brushed her hair, then changed into her celebration gown, which was a silver color.
She rushed down the stairs and met her mother and father in the entrance of Lothlorien. She said nothing to her parents, still angry. Lord Elrond from Rivendell and his elf people arrived first. Sayowyn ran to hug her uncle, who returned the gesture. As Elrond went to greet his sister, Galadriel, Sayowyn rushed past to jump on Arwen, who was trying to look royal as she stepped into Lothlorien.
"ARWEN!" she said as she flew into the air and into Arwen's unsuspecting arms. Down she fell, and the two elves collasped into a gown and long hair on the ground.
She stood up, attempting to be angry. "Sayowyn Darkstar! After 300 years you still are absolutley oblivious to any sort of royalty, even your own cousins!" she said, then burst out laughing. "Mighty clever of you!" she said in between giggles.
Aragorn, Arwen's boyfriend who was a human, stepped beside them, smiled and rolled his eyes. "For elves you are rather humilating and immature," he said. He then hugged Sayowyn, as the two were good friends.
A while later, the three were smoking pipe weed in Sayowyn's bedroom, laughing foolishly over nothing. Then Sayowyn began about the arranged marriage. "Arranged?" Arwen asked,never hearing of such a tradition.
"That's what I said. I have never in all my life heard such nonsense. His name is Thrandis, the oldest prince of Mirkwood. I know nothing else about him. Except that I oppose the entire idea." Sayowyn replied.
"Thrandis? I always thought that Legolas was the eldest." Aragorn said to himself.
"Legolas?" Sayowyn asked.
Aragorn nodded. "A great friend of mine. He is the second oldest son of Thranduil, must be second to the throne. He is 500 years old, approximately. But he is a warrior elf. Not one you would want to go for."
Sayowyn nodded. Right now she didn't feel like "going for" anyone. She wanted only her freedom. "I have always wanted to try archery and sword fighting. But don't tell my parents that!" she giggled, still a little stoned.
Just then Haldir appeared. Sayowyn threw her pipe across the room, and smiled. "You didn't see that!" she laughed.
Haldir tried not to smile. "I saw nothing. However, your mother wishes to see you before dinner starts. There is someone she wants you to meet." he said and nodded to them before leaving.
"Here we go." Sayowyn sighed.
"We'll be down when dinner starts. Good luck." Arwen told her, giving her a sad face.
Sayowyn began the long flight of stairs, down to her parents throne. There stood Celeborn and Galadriel, along with Thranduil and Elrond. With them were two younger looking elves. One was ill looking with brown hair, and steel eyes, while the other was tall and slender with long blonde hair and soft brown eyes. She hoped he would be her chosen prince.
"Sayowyn, this is King Thranduil, of Mirkwood." Galadriel began. The two greeted eachother heartily. "And this," she continued cautiously. "Is your future husband and king, Thrandis Greenleaf." She nodded to the brown haired elf. Sayowyn's heart fell in dispair. She smiled at the prince, who stared back at her with his cold eyes. Lord only knew what he was thinking.
There was an uncomfortable silence. "Um, and this is King Thranduil's second son, Legolas." Galadriel spoke, to clear the air.
The amazingly good looking elf set his chocolate eyes upon the princess, and nearly melted at the sight of her. She was by far the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He bowed down. She smiled brillantly and greeted him. Their eyes held as her mother spoke.
"Tonight, you will be seated next to Thrandis at dinner, Sayowyn, so you two can get to know eachother a little better."
Sayowyn broke her long held gaze with Legolas, and said, "It's still not fair, mother! Arwen said she'd never heard of an arranged marriage!"
Thrandis glared at her and spoke to her sharply. "Enough, Sayowyn. Arwen does not live in a woodland realm. This is the way of our people. Do not speak to your mother that way."
Sayowyn was taken aback, as were the rest of the elves. "Excuse me, Thrandis," she made his name sound like a poison. "But you have no right to tell me what I will and will not do. You do not know me and you never will!" she turned and walked off the steps of the throne, continuing to her spot by the river.
But then a cold harsh hand grabbed her firmly by the shoulder and spun her around violently. She turned to face Thrandis, who stared down into her eyes with malice. Legolas took a step towards them, but stopped. He wondered why he felt such a strange need to protect Sayowyn. She was not his to save. Quietly Thrandis whispered to her. "If you ever speak to me or your mother that way again you will live to regret it." However, Legolas, having naturally accuate hearing, heard what he had said, but he still kept quiet.
Go ahead. Try it. Sayowyn said to him through thought-speak. No one could hear them now. She turned and began to leave with a smirk,but not until those hands grabbed her again and turned her even more roughly this time to face her. Without thinking, she doubled her small fist and punched him square in the face, sending him sprawling onto the grass.
The usual serenity of Lothlorien became frantic. Galadriel and Celeborn gasped and glared at her their disapproval, while Thranduil ran to help his son, who was on the ground bleeding and cussing at the princess who had hurt him so. Meanwhile, Sayowyn's eyes caught Legolas' and she gave him a little smile, but not before turning and continuing along her way.
The river. She thought to Legolas as she disappeared into the tree's. He was welcome to follow her all he liked. Finally arriving at the river side, Sayowyn sat down unsteadily as she realized what kind of trouble she really had gotten herself into. Now her parents and even King Thranduil were angry with her, not to mention her "boyfriend".
But then she felt a rush of warmth and comfort, and wondered where it was coming from. She also felt a person coming up behind her, and yet her eyes did not change to blue, and the hair on the back of her neck did not stand up as it usually did. She knew who was behind her.
"You caused quite a commotion, my lady." Legolas said calmly as he came up behind her. "Do you mind if I sit down?"
Sayowyn looked up into his warm brown eyes and simply nodded. Legolas sat down beside her and looked into the water. "Do you come here often?" he asked.
"All the time. You are the only other who knows of it, now. Keep it a secret." Sayowyn replied.
"I promise. Well, Sayowyn daughter of Celeborn, what do you intend to do, now?" Legolas inquired.
Sayowyn thought for a moment, then came to a conclusion. "I am not entirely sure, to tell you the honest truth. I'll probably just sit and listen to my parents express their disappointment. As for Thrandis, I do not wish to imagine what his reaction will be." She answered with a rush of nausea.
"If you ask my opinion, I think that my brother is not even close to deserving a princess such as yourself. You are much too beautiful and talented for the likes of Thrandis."
Sayowyn looked over at him, getting lost in those eyes yet again. "Beautiful? Talented?" she asked.
Legolas nodded. "If I may say, you are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid my eyes upon, and that is saying a lot. Talented you are, I just have a feeling. You have a fire within you, mylady. I knew it from the moment I met you. Not to mention you had the courage to knock my older brother out, which has not yet been even attempted." he smiled.
"Yes well I was surprised at my strength. I just wish my parents did not have to see it. They do not believe in princesses fighting." she returned the smile.
Legolas jumped to his feet. Sayowyn looked at him, a little bewildered. "You mean to tell me you've never shot a bow? Never picked up a sword?" he asked, astounded.
Sayowyn frowned. "Should I have?" she asked, curious. Legolas pulled her to her feet, taking her by the hand.
"Come, my lady. I have much to teach you this night." he said and led her away, into the tree's.